For those of you who are considering a career in fire services, the following information and resources will help you learn to become a firefighter. But first things: it is important to recognize that becoming a firefighter is not an easy task. This requires hard work, long hours of training, dedication to the profession and a sincere desire to help others. The field of fire fighting careers is also very competitive. You will be facing hundreds, perhaps thousands of candidates, candidates according to the department. How are you going to stand out and where to start?
Here is a quick ventilation of what you need to do to become a firefighter – often called “The best work in the world.” (And Fill out the form on this page to download an infographic on how to become a firefighter.)
1. meet the basic requirements to become a firefighter
In order to become a firefighter, you will need a valid driving license and respond to the age of 18. For those under 18, you can examine limited involvement as a junior firefighter. There will also be a maximum age, generally between 28 and 35 years old, according to the department at which you apply.
2. respond (and exceed) the education requirements
At least, you will need to obtain a secondary school diploma or EDM. Many firefighters get a diploma in fire science to advance their career. It is also wise to become an EMT. Having both a fire and an EMS background will improve your chances of being hired. Some departments may even require EMT certification; The larger departments may require a paramedical license.
3. Enter good physical condition
Becoming a firefighter requires passing a physical capacity test. The events of the CPAT are the rise of the stairs, the drag of the pipe, the transport of equipment, the scale and the extension, the forced entrance, the search, the rescue, the violation of the ceiling and the traction. Prepare for the physical nature of the work as well as the test requirements.
A complete firefighter training program that will allow you to “adapt to your functions” in 28 days by Aaron Zamzow, animator of the Better Every Shift Podcast.
4. Stay out of trouble
At a time in your life, you have probably done something that you are not proud of. The way you acted to rectify your mistakes will be important when requesting a firefighter. The columnist of Firerescue1, Mike Pertz, who founded a website to help others become firefighters, addressed this subject in his article “Do the fire services hire those who have a criminal record?”
If you are asked about your record spent during an interview, don't lie. Instead, take possession of your mistakes. Explain to the job panel how you changed and what you did to change. Also be initial on your driving file – Include the dates, locations and results of tickets and accidents.
5. Keep your nose on clean social networks
If you use Facebook or other social media platforms, Be aware of what you are publishingRepublican, comment and love. Expect that all potential employers scan your presence on social networks. If there are embarrassing messages, immature, risky or otherwise inappropriate on your pages, remove them. Ask your friends to delete these messages that involve you from their pages. In some cases, it may be logical to close your accounts.
Chef Goldfeder underlines the dangers of the publication of poorly informed comments on the publication of social media and how much he can compromise your career
6. Prove your tax responsibility
This is often overlooked, but checking the required history covers the credit rating. Bad credit will hurt you. Be disciplined to improve your score if necessary. You can check your credit report for free once a year in Annualcreditreport.com.
7. Get in your community
Working in public security is a matter of community service. Begining your time for a great cause is a way to prove that you are ready to serve your community. And it doesn't matter if it is linked to fire or not linked to fire. There are a lot of great opportunities for you to make a difference. THE American Red Cross Or Habitat for humanity are two excellent options.
8. Pass the written examination
Study, study, study – then study a little more. The written examination consists of multiple questions and is divided into categories. Check These test bases To give you the best chances of going with flying colors.
9. Prepare yourself for a psychological assessment
You cannot study for this one. This assessment will examine your mental and emotional stability to resist stress associated with the fight against fires. Learn more about the Crucial role of the psychological examination prior to employment for firefighters here.
10. Graduated from a fire academy
Obtaining your entry -level firefighters certifications, such as firefighter I and II, is an excellent decision. You will always have to frequent an academy of a department once hired, but it gives you a head start and helps you learn the book and practical work skills. Joining a volunteer fire service is a way of entering an academy.
11. Ace the interview
Why do you want to be a firefighter? Cliché, we know. But you better prepare for this question. Here is Four additional questions You will be sure to get an interview with a firefighter – how you answer influence the hiring decision of a panel. It's time to shine and stand out.
Stay up to date on the employment of firefighters and hiring information with these videos and additional resources:
From the classroom to the training ground, Marc Bashoor offers a 30,000 feet overview what to expect if you want to become a firefighter
In addition, learn advice on what chefs are looking for in new recruits as well as the importance of public confidence
Decompose key factors involved in an academy of fire, the differences between the types of academies and how you can prepare for success
Having an overview of recruit life, the more a set of value that helps firefighters succeed in industry
Learn your learning style, focus on physical form and understand your place on the incident scene
Advice for new firefighters looking to make their mark on the crew
Although Fire Academy's training is a rigorous challenge that is not for everyone, it is a necessity if you want to enter the enriching field of the fight against fires
Once you are at work, consult these “recruit rules” to succeed:
An essential guide to help new firefighters sail in the first days of work with confidence
This original article published on March 24, 2017, has been updated to include additional resources and information.
At Learnopoly, Finn has championed a mission to deliver unbiased, in-depth reviews of online courses that empower learners to make well-informed decisions. With over a decade of experience in financial services, he has honed his expertise in strategic partnerships and business development, cultivating both a sharp analytical perspective and a collaborative spirit. A lifelong learner, Finn’s commitment to creating a trusted guide for online education was ignited by a frustrating encounter with biased course reviews.